Arizona State Parks-Annual Pass

Whether you live in Arizona, or you are a winter visitor to our lovely area, you may enjoy an annual pass to Arizona State Parks. The Annual Pass is an economical way to travel about the area and explore 27 extraordinary State Parks. The Pass offers day-use privileges (some restrictions may apply for special events.)

The Standard Day-Use Annual Pass which costs $50. allows entrance to Arizona State Parks for the day for up to four adults and children. The pass is good for one year from date of purchase. The Standard Day-Use Entrance Pass is good for the family’s non-camping day-use and includes all the Parks except Colorado River Parks on weekends and holidays.

A Premium Annual Day-Use Pass is $125 and adds those weekends in parks along the Colorado River. At Kartchner Caverns State Park, the pass is good for the entrance to experience the Discovery Center, picnicking and trails but does not apply toward the two cave tours opportunities. Kartchner Caverns State Park offers cave tours for an added fee. Special programs within the parks may have special related fees not covered by this entrance pass; however most of the nature walks and interpretive programs are included in the day-use pass.

Natural sites will include colorful blooming cactus on a mountainside, paddling across Fool Hollow Lake or hiking to the top of Picacho Peak. At Arizona State Parks visitors will find camping, fishing, hiking, interpretive environmental programs, moonlight star gazing walks, horseback riding, historic reenactments and many great sites for family picnicking. You can also enjoy guided pontoon boat tours at Sonoita Creek Natural Area and fishing and water skiing tournaments year round at Lake Havasu and Lyman Lake State Parks. In April, Oracle Environmental Education Center, Boyce Thompson Arboretum, Red Rock and Catalina celebrate Earth Day with special events and programs for families with children. Dead Horse Ranch State Park provides adventures and learning opportunities during the annual “Verde Valley Birding & Nature Festival” and “Verde River Days” events.

In Arizona, as in other states, celebrating our culture means celebrating our history. The State Parks provide wonderful annual events for history buffs to explore Arizona’s past. The influence of the U.S. Army on the settling of Arizona is remembered during Fort Verde State Historic Park’s and Camp Verde’s annual “Fort Verde Days.” In March Picacho Peak State Park holds a weekend long “Civil War in the Southwest” reenactment program that brings in visitors from around the states. Yuma Territorial Prison State Historic Park rustles up family fun in mid-January during the “Gathering of the Gunfighters.” In February, Yuma Quartermaster Depot and Yuma Territorial Prison State Historic Parks team up with the town of Yuma to celebrate “Yuma Crossing Day.” Arizona State Historic Parks offer living history programs, events, exhibits, interpretive programs, and special activities in conjunction with their communities.

Visit their website at www.azstateparks.com to lean more about the activities and adventures you can enjoy.